UN climate summit seeks response to environmental problems

‘I want to hear about how we are going to stop the increase in emissions by 2020, and dramatically reduce emissions to reach net?zero emissions by mid?century,’ UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said a few days before the event.

The summit is focused on finding solutions in six specific areas: the global transition to renewable energy, the creation of sustainable and resilient infrastructure and cities, the establishment of sustainable agriculture, the sustainable management of oceans and forests, adaptation to climate impacts and the combination of public and private financing to achieve a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions economy.

Therefore, the UN chief called on leaders to attend the summit with concrete plans rather than just speeches.

Guterres hopes to achieve a commitment from governments of the world to move away from a fossil fuel-based economy and strengthen renewable energy sources.

‘The impacts of climate change are being felt everywhere and are having very real consequences on people’s lives. Climate change is disrupting national economies, costing us dearly today and even more tomorrow,’ which is why youth are playing an important role in this fight, stated the Portuguese diplomat, who invited 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg to attend the summit.